Then and Now: Washing
Doing laundry used to be a difficult, time-consuming, and even dangerous task. Laundry was done outside in geothermal pools where the weather, boiling water, and distance from the home presented great difficulties.
Then and Now: Swimming
Icelandic pool culture has developed into a cultural phenomenon in its own right. In 2025, swimming pool culture was officially registered on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Then and Now: Greenhouses
The history of greenhouses in Iceland is quite recent; the first geothermally heated greenhouse did not appear until 1924. Today, many commercial greenhouses can be found, particularly in the country’s southern region.
Geothermal Utilisation in Iceland
Geothermal areas and resources have been an important part of life in Iceland since the days of the settlement. The utilisation of geothermal resources has developed alongside Iceland’s history and culture. This utilisation is part of the past, present, and future of life on the island.
About the Exhibit
Geothermal Culture is an exhibition that aims to connect people with the many ways in which they encounter geothermal resources outside of the direct production of power plants. Quality of living is very high in Iceland, and much of this comfort is due to the natural resources of the country.
